Wolves ended their losing run in the Premier League on Tuesday night, taking a point against Manchester United – and one player left Rob Edwards pleasantly surprised.
The Old Gold were really good at Old Trafford and, on another night, may have taken all three points.
Joshua Zirkzee gave the hosts the lead following a cheap turnover by Wolves in their own half, with his strike deflecting wickedly past Jose Sa.
Wolves fans, who was your standout performer in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United? 🐺
That was frustrating, but Wolves responded well.
After missing several chances, Ladislav Krejci equalised just before half-time with a great header into the far corner.
Wolves searched for a winner in the second-half but sadly, that ruthlessnness just wasn’t quite there to take all three points.
But it’s a first point for Rob Edwards – and the Wolves manager was left delighted by the showing of Mateus Mane in a new role.
Rob Edwards pleasantly surprised by Mateus Mane vs Man United after position change
Mateus Mane was starting for the second Premier League game running for Wolves.
After weeks of coming off the bench and making cameo appearances, Mane started against Liverpool at the weekend, and retained his place at Old Trafford.
And it was another fine display from the teenager, as he played as a number eight.
It’s not a role he is used to. But Mane operated with his usual confidence, and was a threat with his ball- carrying. He also worked very hard defensively.
After the game, Rob Edwards heaped praise on the youngster, saying (via E&S): “That was him playing out of position, I’m really impressed.
“He probably surprised me how good he was, in a really nice way.
“He’s got a really good understanding of the game, tactically, to be able to play in different positions and take that on board.
“Yesterday, because of what we thought we were going to do, he thought he was going to be playing as a number 10. We were talking to him about that last night at dinner and then today things have changed and he’s playing as an eight.
What did you make of Mateus Mane’s performance against Man United?
The Wolves gem caught Gary Neville's eye 🤝
“So to show that level of understanding is really, really impressive. He took the ball, didn’t look fazed, played with bravery.
“But then his work rate as well, that recovery late on against Casemiro after he tried the little backheel, that’s priceless.
“That’s the stuff that we need everyone to do and it’s great that an 18-year-old at the moment is showing that.”
Mane should be the first name on Wolves’ team sheet right now
It was yet another refreshing performance from Mane, even with the youngster playing a position that was alien to him – certainly at this level.
He just took everything in his stride, and continued playing with that confidence we’ve seen from him every time.
In this terrible season for Wolves, Mane – who was praised by Gary Neville during last night’s game – is most definitely the shining light, and we have reached the point now whereby he must start regularly.
Wolves are clearly a better team when he plays, and it actually feels like his confidence is starting to rub off on other players.
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